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Home My WebLink About1986-03-20 Council Packet - Work Session, Public HearingKenai City Council Public Hearing March 20, 1986 Float Plane Facility T I 1 YK _ _ Sri•, _� 1�: � .:,=�` :, .,,- t01��''�. 4 . 1 � U . OIL _..,.. PUBLIC HEARING, MARCH 20, 19869 7tOO PM KENAI AIRPORT MASTER PLAN KENAI CITY HALL Attendance - See Attached Visual Count - 17 II. AIRPORT MASTER PLAN Bill Griffiths, Alaska Transportation Consultants. This is a hearing on update of the 1979 Heater Plan, John Sandere, Aries. In Jan. 1986 the first report was submitted to the City. In 1984, there were 68,000 aircraft operators using the airport. They estimate 165,000 in the next 20 years. Commuter aircraft will go from 32,000 to 45,000; general aviation from 37,000 to 92,000; fixed wing from 85,000 to 151,000; helicopters (for oil rigs) from 3,500 to 59000. There were 100,000 in -plane passengers in 19849 200,000 through the airport. In the next 20 years, they estimate 165,000 in -plane paesengers, 330,000 through the airport. The runway is 79500 ft. now, that is adequate for the next 20 years. The terminal, with current expansion, should be ample for the next 20 years; but the City may have to redistribute the businesses. Auto parking will increase from 530 spaces to 850 spaces. Based aircraft is 110 now, estimated increase is 220 by 2005. He suggests adding on tie -downs and hanger apace. There are 20 spaces now for itinerant airoraft, he forecasts 60 in 20 years. Float alipe, he cotimates 45 float based planes in 20 years. Helicopters will stay'the some. The 1979 Plan wee to reserve 3,500 ft. runway, develop the apron and cargo space. He has developed a different alternative. Rather then a new runway, if the City needs a parallel runway, they should look at a close -in general aviation runway parallel to the present one. He estimates the one the City has is sufficient. 1. Gerald Sibley, Box 28939 Kenai. Why did FAA say 800 ft, from the building? Mr. Sanders replied, we could meet separations required by FAA. This alternate develops the lease plots, general aviation activity, new runway for fish haulers, commuters and cargo activity. Mr. Sibley noted Soldotna is 1,000 from the building. Mr. Sanders explained, there are different criteria for the two cities. For smaller aircraft, it has to be larger. Kenai can go to 750 ft. The commercial would be on the south end. The alternative - general aviation would be on the apron already built, with itinerant aircraft and booed aircraft. Keep the commuters down below. They could add hangers. The City hoe reserved a crash fire truck on site. The terminal building is sufficient size to accommodate, but they need additional parking. • d 4t..- q `.. ^�s a • AIRPORT MASTER PLAN HEARING F - 2 - March 20, 1986 The City could go across Willow and increase 200 spaces or south of the terminal. He suggested the undeveloped area to the west be kept for airport related refueling or international flights. They would have to extend the runway 3,000 ft., the same as Anchorage and Fairbanks. It would need a parallel taxiway. They would have to strengthen the runways and taxiways. They will have to have additional clear zone. They would need a customs site, eecurity, etc. In the terminal. Mr. Sibley suggested a small dirt ski strip on the other aide of the runway for the single engine planes on skis. A 29000 to 3,000 ft. strip where the original float plane basin is, no lights or paving. 2. Jim Carter, Box 212, Kenai. 1) Plan A shows a small strip east of the large runway. The downtown core of the City is confined. Does it interfere with anything now, and what might it do to the core? Mr. Griffiths replied, it is a VFR runway, he does not see a problem, but he will review. Mr. Carter noted they had to reduce the Sheraton because of Merrill Field. He added, the problems at the Soldotna airport (possible closure) may have an impact on the Kenai airport. We should keep on top of this right up to the final plan. Mr. Sanders replied it would have a great impact. Most of the aircraft would come to Kenai.' Mr. Griffiths said this plan would take the City to the year 2005. If changes were necessary, they could accelerate the plans and up -date it in 10 years instead of 20. Mr. Carter noted FAA does not up -date grants that feet. He suggested a eupplement stating if this happened it would be built into the plan. 3. Gerald Sibley. Why do they want another runway with taxiways at both ends? No one can take off or land. It would be more congested. Mr. Sanders replied, it would be more expeditious with aircraft lending at the end. 4. Bob Bielefeld, Box 469 Kenai. Regarding the 2nd strip, we have erase winds in the Spring. He suggested a connecting strip on the north end for reliever runway, going Beet/west. Mr. Senders replied, based on the wind date, it is not required. Mr. Bielefeld noted, sometimes in'the Spring you cannot get on the runway. Mr. Sanders explained, you would have a one -runway situation.- This works in some places because of noise or other factors. It would not have an efficiency factor. Mr. Griffiths added, the FAA goes by date received. There is 913% coverage at 12 MPH winds. FAA would not fund cross -wind coverage at that figure. A parallel runway would probably not be needed till the year 2003. It would increase the capacity of the airport, a 90' angle would not increase the capacity. W t `A o-4 , AN` t i r'44•^ - . u AIRPORT MASTER PLAN HEARING - 3 - March 20, 1986 Mr. Bielefeld said traffic comes mostly from the west. Also, north of the tower, Plan B extends the business area. Now do you have access to the runway from the business area? Mr. Sanders replied, the taxiways are not shown. Mr. Bielefeld noted, he tried to get a lease there and could not get.a taxiway. He would not lease without a taxiway from the edge of the property out. The City guaranteed access but not a taxiway. Mr. Sanders said, you have to have texiweye. Mr - Bielefeld added, the City was going to use the ramp for acceea. S. Gerald Sibley. They leave no room for expansion. The Kenai airport has much land that they can use. Why is It packed together? Mr. Sanders disagreed. Mr. Sibley suggested, why not spread it out in the let place? Mr. Griffiths replied, they can, it would be a land use trade-off. Mr. Sibley said, the big problem to the big planes using the same runway as the small planes. He suggested putting different types of planes in different designated areas. Mr. Senders added, they do not foresee 727's or other large planes coming in here. They foresee the size of twin otters. Mr. Bielefeld said, they have to be open for it, they have been here before, they could come back. Mr. Sanders said this airport can accommodate them. Mr. Griffiths added, there to space here. They would not propose action that would preclude any action in the future. They are in the conceptual stage now. They are caught between two things: they can identify with the problem, but the City and State are looking at FAA funds and there are requirements they have. They will have at least one more meeting here. 6. Jim Carter. What would they foresee as requirements to recommend a 109000 ft. runway? Mr. Sanders replied, it is hard to foresee that need based on what they see. Fairbanks spent much money for overseas flights and lost them. They tried to get more funds for unlimited weights. Anchorage airport international traffic will be decreasing. The reasons are 1) new aircrafte have longer range, 2) not much passenger traffic is generated here, 3) other countries are opening up their air space (ex. Russia). Mr. Griffiths said they need reasonable certainty that large planes would be coming In. Mr. Sanders asked, would the City invest to expand, without Federal or State? He did not think it would be a high priority with FAA. Mr. Griffiths added, Anchorage has the capacity and is less expensive. FAA would not understand. Mr. Carter suggested Kenai could be used so an alternate for weather. Mr. Sanders explained, that is a different situation than a large plane alternate. Mr. Carter noted Elmendorf is no longer an alternate. This should be looked at- Mr- Sanders replied, Fairbanks serves as Y- �'rt �, .. ;5 r . r:'. F AIRPORT MASTER. PLAN HEARING 7. B. REVIEW: - 4 - March 20, 1986 an alternate and has the facility. Mr. Griffiths notedo however they are considering extending to the full length. That will be presented to the City. Mr. Carter said traffic at Anchorage International has been predicted to slack for 10 years but has not. If Russia is an alternate, there has to be an airway structureq there is none. John Wise, 614 Cedars Kenai. Parking for local aircraft is deficient now. Parking along the ramp is dangerous* rev a will be behind them. They will went to drive up to their plane. The fish flights take up much apace. Not enough effort is being made to develop safe aircraft perking area where the pilot can get to the aircraft with a vehicle. They could move the fenced area for bush pilots to be close to parking. Gerald Sibley. He suggested a 29500 by 400 fte tie -down area across from Runway B. 1. Mr. Griffiths. He asked written comments be sent to Airport Manager Ernst. They will be back in 2-3 months. There will be alternativest it will not be final. 2. Mr. Wise. He asked that all those who signed up tonight be notified by mail of the next hearing. ADJOURNMENT: Meeting adjourned at 9:05 PM. *2V&'rV_' Janet Whelan$ CMC City Clerk at �O. ��u�'a. •• > � - ice, PUBLIC HEARINGS MARCH 20, 19869 7t00 PM KENAI AIRPORT FLOAT PLANE FACILITY KENAI CITY HALL Attendance - See Attached Visual count - 17 INTRODUCTION Airport Manager Ernst introduced panels A:T. Stoddard, ATC Karen Westenfeld, LGL John•Sandere, Arieet Bill Griffiths, ATC Mr. Ernst explained, since the closure of the float plane basin in 1978, there has been an interest in re -opening it. Studies have been done by Wince, Corthell &.Bryson and M. Tauriainen. In 1979 the Airport Master Plan showed a possible need. I. FLOAT PLANE BASIN A. CONSULTANTS$ 1. 2. 3, Bill Griffiths. He explained FAA requirement for a - I - 4 o, public hearing. The purpose is to address the - environmental impact & other impects, and hear public testimony. The plan was distributed to governmental ° agencies, a transcript of the hearings will be in the _ final statement. The project wee oarried•by Alaska Transportation Consultants, Aries Coneultentetand LGL Alaska Research. p. John Senders. There are 168 float planes in the area. They are forecasting over 17#000 float plane operationa, the airport would accommodate 20% of the needs in the region. Plan A would have simultaneous operation on the airport and float plane basin. The old float plane basin would be for storage of planes. Eventually a taxiway could be developed and additional storage of planes. The City is in the process of= - acquiring 60 ecrep Plan B would improve the old float plane basin from 2#500 ft. to 39500 ft. There would be leased plots and slips with a taxiway. Plan C would be =-� T .•mom to do nothing. The flost,planes would operate at -=- - rivers or neighborhood lakes. Karen Westenfeld. She discussed Plan A and Plan B :.,• together. Most environmental impact is on the airport itself. The only impact nearby to noise. The residual impact in nearby residential area is traffic. 'Access on 4th or let has been suggested. There could &" ,be a screening requirement for visual impact. There is� a .wetlands area near, there may be an impact on fish in - {T FLOAT PLANE BASIN PUBLIC HEARING - 2 - MARCH 20, 1986 the area. There is no major impact on water quality except at construction. There ie a potential for i s �- �increased run-off, the basin could act as a retention area. A separator could be set at the outlet of the drain pond. There would have to be a contingency plan for major spills. The effect on air quality is ;.._ relatively minor, compared to the airport now. There would be no major impact on fish & wildlife, they are ` already affected by the present airport. It is not considered valuable habitat. The wetlands area will be lost. An area was left between the two fill areas for 1 a•flow area. The haul road would have culverts for flow. It would be re -vegetated after construction. There would be increased traffic, noise and duet -r during construction. Plan C - to leave as is - would ' = have more impact then the other two because of use of non -planned areas, conflicts with people living in those arese, disturbance of bird species on lakes, fuel spillage, bank erosion and conflict with boat traffic. 4. A.T. Stoddard. He discussed noise exposure. He reviewed Plan A and Plan B together. The float plane -�_ basin alone would not have an adverse impact, except on the strip itself. He analyzed the additional noise .�- 1995 Kenai, with the float plane basin, would have a ' 7-1/2% increase in noise; in 2005, a 6.3% increase. :a B. PUBLIC TESTIMONYs t• 1. Tom Sumey, 1123 Alder, Kenai. He is a resident of Woodland S/D. He is not speaking for the Troopers, the jn.. Dept, of Public Safety or CAP, he is a pilot. He works changing shifts. Where he lives, he hears the planes, but they do not disturb him. Most pilots are cognizant of the noise problem. Most pilots and instructors do not do testing, touch 'n gop etc. in =;, :.• _ =,` ' populated areas. He preferred Plan A, it has a larger take -off area. Lake Hood in Anchorage is the largest ,�'` sea plane base in the world and Kenai Peninsula is a drew for tourists. The community would also benefit ' from increased sales, maintenance services, fuel sales, °1etc. Regarding safety, pilots have "get-home-itie" and •-s�'� ' '• sometimes fly beyond their safety level. If they had a place other then Anchorage to go to, they would come �.r here. There is a lot of weather from across the Inlet, �. - --- `i' 7 the p Regarding search y could stop here to avoid it. aircraft, he has 13 miles to get to his plane now, it would be handy in Kenai. Regarding noiest he suggested keeping a tree buffer between the basin and the subdivision. There are more positive than negative Items to the float plane basin. The only negative one a+- he has heard of is noise. _ r 2. Ed Cell, 1202 Lileo, Kenai. He lives near Wildwood. He can hear the airport noise where he lives# but can ; M hit FLOAT PLANE BASIN PUBLIC HEARING - 3 - MARCH 20. 1986 live with it. He has a military background. If we had continued the float plane basin, we would be ahead now. The planes are eating up acreage where they land now. He was workin aircraft when he came to Kenai The big draw was that he could park his plane. The float plane basin would be a boon to the city, as Lake Hood and Lake Spenard are to Anchorage. 3. Jahn Wise, 614 Cedar, Kenai. He lives in Woodland, is t on the Kenai City Council, 1) Regarding road access on 4th. He would suggest that for emergency only and make the access on let by the cemetery. 2) Regarding ; the noise pollution. There is no talk of overflight noise, that should be discussed. The tower could control that. There is some overflight noise now, even that should be controlled. 3) FAA has filed statements that Lake Hood and Lake Spenard are hazardstt that is on record. We would not have that problem. 41 There are t_ no established float plane basins on the Peninsula. If safety is discussed, it should be referred to unsafe action on lakes, pollution and spills. The State ` Master plan should note that a float plane basin is needed on the Peninsula and this would be the beet place. 4. Gerald Siblay, Box 2893, Kenai; owner of Peninsula Aircraft. He has heard only statements in favor of .._ the float plane basin. This was in the 1969 Master Plan. The fill taken out for the airport was to r build the float plane basin. Plan A was in the 1979 Master Plan, it said it would be built by 1964. We _. have gone against every argument and heard every reason not to. We have run out of reasons not to build it. 5. Phil Bryson, 1205 3rd, Kenai. He lives at 3rd & Birch. He supports the project. 1) He prefers Plan A, but has { a concern regarding the water at surface elevation; it - will raise at one end and lower at the other end. That should be addressed. 2) He would prefer emergency access only to 4th. 3) The dirt on the far side would be wasted, it should be used for fill to utilize the airport expansion in the wetlands instead of filling;-.. -.,. the lower areas. C. QUESTIONS# r 1. Bob Oleson, 215 Nevada, Kenai; CAP Commander. What are the.prevailing winds there? He has taken off on runway ; N1 to Anchorage. If we are looking at 90% north winds, everyone would be taking off over non -populated areas to Anchorage. Mr. Sanders replied, 601 use runway f1, 40% use runway 92. END OF PUBLIC HEARING. - TIME# 705 55 PM. = t a Janet vhelsn, City Clark r� E ay=}Yb _ate-- 8 _l.� may!•".�i - _ �i 41 10 >ra,f-.�•.na..c. �. y t�� PUBLIC fl4AAING CITY OF IENAI MUNICIPAL AIRPORT BLOAT PLANE F'ACILZTY ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT MARCH 20, 1986 L r PUBLIC HEARING CITY OF KENAI MUNICIPAL AIRPORT FLOAT PLANS FACILITY ENVIROMENTAL ASSESSMENT MARCH 20, 1986 AGENDA 7s00 - 7s10 p.m. Introduction and opening•Comments R. Ernst, Airport Manager 7s10 - 7s40 p.m. Presentation of the Project Consultants 7s40 - 900 p.m. Testimony and Questions Audience 9800 P.M. Closing of Public Hearing R. Ernst F °t ,�:.._z--._.-. _�_._.�. ' �5---_ _z......� . � 6 �' - � .. -- ,ate►-_. __WAY...__._ _ . 4 y y 5: .-,_ is • . _ •• o ,�- � - '=mac,'•_-:�. - ,; !; .. ,. • ti ' �f_ _Jf ._... .q_.. _aw ,r :... -{ .. s_...._.. ,__•____.. _._._.._ -.. .- __... _ _. __.�.._.__..__._._—_._—._.____. as r.wvns .:— .�.av-r•..._+_-,___ .. __ _ ` — � � r -AEI ~•' - -(�V "" C�,�„ . t� {�" . l�i� f� In- of .� , { i r r c dt .001 Old �} 1� - ...... _ .-•-•__.. .._-.., _._.. .. - if VOW fir- 0 -77 gg.... �JJfi _ � _ _ PR ?3ti= .='t=• ' D j i I . . ... .. .. L;. _ -_._ _ _ _ _ � _. per.. .... ..._ _ ..- .• . *ram_ _ MO ;ij• it ' f; L . 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S _ :._ _.._ a- - _.-.,-... --_---fir- - - •. _-•.__._`___r.-.-....�.: :.___�_-x_' _ ___ .__.. ._ _ _. � -. ..% _.--- -- -� lix) - - - too -- — — — ...._....r...._ ._�_-- �. -tile_'_ .^_' _ - -- ._ ..., _. __ .. _ ---"---•---__._'.__.._ _...__.� ._ ----........__.._.._-, �•,r � af.li '•Q - - --___ �-ice.-._-_----"- ---- - - - •-__------•- _�. _� _ .._____.-�„__-.�__.__ .. ; : - ... — flai ww T 4e 11Gil ' �I 1 11 �l i ooe : ----._ -- -- op;l I I. : o 6--1 --.AAA- -_.— f- ----- . I l : 10 _ efoo :� '�� I illy//-�"'��' �• •0 vio Cam-- _ I `, .. �_►- _ r. : �' _ C.C•'Y'''_ ..het -•�j'---? T - - J � _ /////////AAA/// _ _ ., _ . _ _ .... 1J ' '"� . . . . . . . . ._ .. _ ... `� � -- - • _. v__. __.-_. _-. - ..._- - .. ! � - 'ems .711 _ 1 �4 CITY OF KENAI %Od MORMWO UM,ALAW "01 TMOMMM-7M February 269 1986 TOt Airport Committee FROMs Janet Whelan City Clerk There will be a public hearing on the Proposed Float Plane Basin on Tuesday, March 189 1986 at 700 PM in the Council Chambers, jW W. OL10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .... a I a F I 4 I }� Suggested by: Administration CITY OF KENAI ; ORDINANCE N0. AN ORDINANCE OF.THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF KENAI, ALASKA, AMENDING KMC 22:05.040 (a) BY REQUIRING THAT A LESSEE OF AIRPORT LANDS MUST HAVE LEASED FOR A PERIOD OF TWO YEARS BEFORE HE HAS A' - RIGHT TO NEGOTIATE A PURCHASE AT FAIR MARKET VALUE. WHEREAS, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is concerned that 1098ee8 of Airport lands may be leasing property with the intention of subsequently purchasing the property by negotiation, and thereby avoiding Competitive bidding, and WHEREAS, the City and FAA have agreed that a two year waiting period will reduce the number of ' occurrences of such leases. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF KENAI, ALASKA, THAT KMC 22.05.040 (c) be YY amended as follower 22.05.040 (a) If the tract of land p pro osed to be sold is leased land upon which substantial improvements have been �.- ... -.... --..- ".. made, the lessee may, at hie request, negotiate the sale of said land at not less than the fair y market value.. However if the land is Air ort land the Current lease- obtains " s right E-6-nagntinfa only after he has lease a end for a wo- ear er o - mme a e rece n e se Is s con on a ee o Airport an s leaeed nuary 1 19B6 . PASSED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF KENAIof 1986., ALASKA, this day ... :.•r.ilj .. 'r:A TON GO tMAYOR '�: ATTESTr u - Janet a an, city cregr---= - -_ M